Grammy-winning band Reckless Kelly returns with a lively, heartfelt tribute to friendship, heartbreak and honky-tonks in their latest music video, “What’s Left of My Heart.” Set at the iconic Giddy Ups in South Austin – just days before it closed for good – the video offers fans a glimpse into the band’s world, with a mix of humor, mishaps and their signature blend of roots rock and Americana.
Set at the popular but now-closed Giddy Ups honky-tonk bar in South Austin, the video captures the band’s signature mix of rollicking fun and soulful moments, offering fans a glimpse into the camaraderie that has defined Reckless Kelly for decades. The track is the perfect backdrop for the visual story full of mishaps, humor, and bittersweet nostalgia.
An evening with the band: laughter, love and karaoke mishaps
The video begins in classic Reckless Kelly fashion, with the band leaving the stage and boarding their tour bus with a crowd of fans arriving at their favorite club for “just one beer.” It shows frontman Willy Braun wandering through the neon-lit Giddy Ups, trying to win over the ladies, only to be met with a series of playful rejections. Meanwhile, his bandmates and friends take over the karaoke stage, belting out songs and clinking glasses. It’s a scene that could easily take place on any given night in Austin, but with the unmistakable touch of a band that knows how to make each gathering legendary.
Written by Cody Braun and co-directed by Braun and Tony Gates, the video offers more than just a glimpse into the band’s personality – it’s a visual embodiment of their “Sorry for Partying” mantra, taking fans into their world with humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos. Cody’s vision shines through every frame, from the quick-witted dialogue to the authentic dive bar atmosphere, reminding us that while it’s the music that draws us in, it’s the shared experiences that keep us coming back.
A star cast of friends and legends
Reckless Kelly is a band rooted in the community, and the “What’s Left of My Heart” video is a testament to the friendships they’ve built over the years. Notable names appear in the video, including rockabilly queen Rosie Flores, powerhouse vocalist Kelly Mickwee, and Django Walker, son of the legendary Jerry Jeff Walker. Each appearance adds another layer of depth and captures the essence of what makes the Texas music scene so special.
But it’s not just musicians joining the party. Austin-based actor Beau Smith, known for his roles in Killers of the Flower Moon and Yellowstone 1883, steps in as the long-suffering tour manager, trying (and failing) to hold the band together as they lose themselves in a night of celebration. His performance is both hilarious and endearing, a perfect fit for a video that’s as much about the friendships backstage as the music onstage.
The cast also includes some familiar faces from Austin’s music industry, such as John and Robin Dickson, founders of MusicFest at Steamboat, and Lisa Fletcher, owner of the legendary Arylin Studios. Featuring guest appearances from key figures who have helped shape the band’s path, the video becomes a tribute not only to Reckless Kelly, but also to the wider family of musicians who have supported them over the years.
Behind the scenes: Making the vision a reality
For Cody Braun, directing the video was a dream come true. “We’ve been making music videos and short films since we were kids, so it was something I always wanted to do,” says Cody. “The concept was simple: what it’s like to hang out with us after a show – just a lot of fun and good people. And with Tony’s help, we brought that vision to life exactly as I envisioned it.”
The shoot was a whirlwind, and was completed in just five hours from a live performance. “There was a lot of preparation and organization to do beforehand, but once the cameras started rolling, it was a lot of fun,” recalls Cody. “Giddy Ups was one of our favorite locations, and since Austin has changed so much, it was important to us to give it a fitting send-off.”
Co-director Tony Gates, a long-time collaborator of the band, agrees. “Working with Reckless Kelly is always great fun because they are so authentic – both in their music and in the way they interact with people. The goal was to capture that authenticity and energy, and I think we succeeded.”
A warm farewell to a South Austin classic
For longtime Austinites, the closing of Giddy Ups marks the end of an era. For over 30 years, the bar was a gathering place for musicians, locals and anyone looking to have a good time. With its dusty floors, neon lights and unpretentious atmosphere, it was an essential part of Austin’s identity. Reckless Kelly’s video doesn’t just celebrate a new single – it’s a tribute to a place that, like so many other iconic venues, has become a victim of the city’s rapid development.
“What’s Left of My Heart” is more than just a music video – it’s a time capsule that preserves a piece of Austin’s soul for future generations. As the band invites their fans to raise a glass one last time, the message is clear: what really matters are the memories, the music and the friendships made at places like Giddy Ups. So turn up the volume, let loose and enjoy every second – because if there’s anything Reckless Kelly taught us, it’s that the best moments in life happen when you’re having an unapologetic good time.
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